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F1 News & Discussions => General F1 Discussion => Topic started by: Calman on March 16, 2018, 10:53:58 PM

Title: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Calman on March 16, 2018, 10:53:58 PM
Hi Folks!

I'm simply curious as to how everyone enjoys the opening race of the season ...

1) At the Race in person (lucky so-an-so's)
2) Watching in the Pub on a TV the size of a Snooker table ... with likeminded fans & the beer flowing!!
3) In the comfort of your own home ... sitting in your favourite armchair with your pipe and slippers!
4) Watching on your giant PC monitor ... while you dabble around the web or deal with business commitments?
5) Grabbing as much viewing as you can, as you are at friends for dinner .. and are trying not to be rude!!

All the best,
Cal :)

Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Robem64 on March 16, 2018, 10:55:33 PM
Love it to be number 1.....but alas number 3 for me
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: lkjohnson1950 on March 17, 2018, 12:07:36 AM
+1  :'(
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Dare on March 17, 2018, 12:12:47 AM
in chat with various other members...join us
no dress code either
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Jericoke on March 17, 2018, 12:35:47 AM
in chat with various other members...join us
no dress code either

I'm getting all dressed up for nothing?!

But, I second Dare:  I've been to a live F1 race, and being in the GPWizard chat is  VERY close second best way to watch.

And quite frankly, for those dull races, being able to chat with my friends here makes it far more interesting.
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Dare on March 17, 2018, 04:44:26 AM
in chat with various other members...join us
no dress code either

I'm getting all dressed up for nothing?!

But, I second Dare:  I've been to a live F1 race, and being in the GPWizard chat is  VERY close second best way to watch.

And quite frankly, for those dull races, being able to chat with my friends here makes it far more interesting.


I usually wear a tuxedo but that's just me
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: John S on March 17, 2018, 09:57:50 AM

I usually wear a
tuxedo but that's just me

I prefer to watch races in the buff, it's why I never join you lot in race day chat room.   :D
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: cosworth151 on March 17, 2018, 02:15:02 PM
Morning coats are a must for the Chat Room.  :P

Melbourne will start at 1:10 a.m. here where I live (southeast Ohio).

Seriously, stop by the Chat Room during the race. We have a great time.
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Alianora La Canta on March 17, 2018, 04:49:11 PM
I plan to watch the qualifying replay on option 6): a treadmill at my local gym (provided nobody wants to watch the poker tournament on the other side!), as it's just the right length for a good all-round land-based cardio workout and I need to get in shape for the Silverstone 10 km in May. (I did the Run Like A Time Lord 5 km this week, which I hope helps me not be the slowest runner at the 'Stone for once...) They have 5 TVs, with two typically reserved for music channels (and music playing from them), but the three TVs that would show the F1 are at least 40 inches each, arrayed such that one is surrounded by the pictures.

I will probably opt for a quick swim afterwards, though not if Force India somehow gets pole! (Also, I must be careful if pole looks plausible: I was on the elliptical when Raikkonen and Bottas collided on the last lap of Russia 2015, and nearly fell off the machine in excitement as "my" driver came through to take a surprise podium...)

On race day, I will go to option 7): my parents' house, where we will all watch the race highlights with a hot bacon sarnie in one hand and some crisps in the other. I also tend to get through at least a litre of fruit squash over the course of the race, because Dad and I tend to talk to each other about the race as it happens (with occasional comments from Mum). I will probably be in my Force India hoodie and other appropriate support gear. Mum and Dad probably will wear something appropriate for working outside.

Option 1) is for Hungary, this year (first time at a F1 race since 2009)...

Option 2) is impossible here, except if one is really lucky at one specific pub and its three TVs, the race is at a time when said pub is open (it's a relatively "classy" establishment that shuts before the US/Canadian/Brazillian races finish, unlike its neighbours) and it hasn't been commandeered by the multitudes wanting to watch some other sport (I remember them having a packed house for Hungary 2015 qualifying, but apparently they couldn't get anyone interested after that year's football season got going...)

Option 3) isn't happening unless I get a TV licence.

Option 4) has happened sometimes with races I follow via BBC Radio and Twitter. I can find out what language my site's latest spam is in at the same time...

Option 5) doesn't happen - if I am out during a Grand Prix, I strictly avoid spoilers until I can see the race at my parents' house on catch-up. So if the friends aren't interested in motorsport, I prefer it if they're sufficiently uninterested that the whole visit is spent on other topics.
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: lkjohnson1950 on March 17, 2018, 07:01:17 PM
We will, of course, expect a full travelogue and race report on Hungary in the unique La Canta style.   :D
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Calman on March 17, 2018, 07:12:14 PM
...hot bacon sarnie in one hand and some crisps in the other

That quote alone has brought a tear to my eye!! ... memories!!!  :(

Edit:   As far as routine/ritual is concerned, I always start the race by cracking open one of these ... followed by a choice of local beers, accompanied by a couple of giant bags of crisps to get me through 3 hours of sporting bliss!!  (just don't let me anywhere near the BBQ at the end of the campaign, it's wouldn't be wise).
(http://www.lcbo.com/content/dam/lcbo/products/394536.jpg/jcr:content/renditions/cq5dam.web.1280.1280.jpeg)


All the best,
Cal :)
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Ian on March 17, 2018, 07:17:23 PM
Might just be waking up, it's around 6am in the UK when it starts, if I'm awake I'll maybe look for a stream.
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Scott on March 17, 2018, 08:05:41 PM
Oz race ritual is usually on the couch by 6am (Swiss time) with a good coffee and some toast.  About 5min before the lights go out, log into GPW chat.  For the last 16 years, I have had to take off the minute the checker flies (sometimes before), but starting this year, I unless we go away for a weekend, I can't see why I can't hang out for the sometimes post-race chats and watch complete races all season. 

No pub in my area would dare show anything but soccer or skiing, so that option is out.

No race tickets planned for this season, at least until I find a job and know what my time off might be like.

I like a nice craft beer (or two, or...) during an afternoon or evening race, but forget about the Asian and Oz races, I need coffee.

Thankfully we have a new coffee machine, a new couch and a new TV.   :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Dare on March 17, 2018, 08:40:27 PM

I usually wear a
tuxedo but that's just me

I prefer to watch races in the buff, it's why I never join you lot in race day chat room.   :D


Speaking for the gang you don't know how much we appreciate that :swoon:
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: guest3164 on March 17, 2018, 09:47:03 PM
Frantically remember to set up Sky+ to record the race the evening before, go to sleep and then wake up around 7 as usual.  Try to remember not to look online for any spoilers, come downstairs and try to fire up the recording in progress without seeing/hearing anything about the race.  Then sit there glued until the end before turning on any electronic device that could spoil the race result.
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Calman on March 18, 2018, 12:14:44 AM
Try to remember not to look online for any spoilers

OHHH!!! I'd bet the majority of us could write a novel, based on F1 Spoilers people have placed on our lap over the years (not pun intended with 'lap').    I've had many so called mates say "Oh!! let me tell you about the Race today" ... only to be met with "NO!!! I don't want to hear about it, I still have to watch it" .... then they say "It was just that bla bla bla happened, but that won't spoil your race, as I didn't mention the result!" ... then sharp heavy objects get thrown across the room.

I even delayed watching the British GP one year, as a "friend" wanted a lift into the house with his new BBQ.  During conversation, straight out of the blue, "didn't Lewis grab a great win today!" .... I almost dropped the BBQ and enjoy watching his arms change from 2½ feet in length to 5 feet long!!!!!

All the best,
Cal :)
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Robem64 on March 18, 2018, 10:14:00 AM
I'm sure some people delight in spoiling it for others!
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: cosworth151 on March 18, 2018, 03:27:12 PM
Friday night of Melbourne week-end, I'll probably pop a big bowl of popcorn, fix a drink & put in the DVD of Grand Prix, just to get in the mood.
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Dare on March 18, 2018, 04:21:52 PM
I'll set my alarm just in case and have my tux
laid out and ready
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Calman on March 18, 2018, 07:37:16 PM
I'll set my alarm just in case and have my tux
laid out and ready

So ... you're very close to this Tux then Dare?  (I hope it passes FIA regulation 147e, Appendix 4, Paragraph 3)  ... or should we all simply say "Suits You Sir!" :DD

All the best,
Cal :)
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: lkjohnson1950 on March 18, 2018, 08:32:56 PM
Friday night of Melbourne week-end, I'll probably pop a big bowl of popcorn, fix a drink & put in the DVD of Grand Prix, just to get in the mood.

Oh Yeah!!  :good:
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Dare on March 19, 2018, 12:11:01 AM
I'll set my alarm just in case and have my tux
laid out and ready

So ... you're very close to this Tux then Dare?  (I hope it passes FIA regulation 147e, Appendix 4, Paragraph 3)  ... or should we all simply say "Suits You Sir!" :DD

All the best,
Cal :)


black tux and brown shoes...how could I go wrong
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Calman on March 19, 2018, 01:18:42 AM
Well, it's marginally better than "404 Costume Cannot Be Found!" Error!! :-D

Make it 'Your Thing'.

All the best,
Cal :)
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: cosworth151 on March 19, 2018, 09:18:50 PM
Quote
black tux and brown shoes...how could I go wrong

That reminds me of the great George Gobel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7v1EPbqbfw
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Alianora La Canta on March 20, 2018, 10:04:03 PM
We will, of course, expect a full travelogue and race report on Hungary in the unique La Canta style.   :D

That will happen (though I can't remember if I actually finished writing the last one). Note for Calman and anyone else who wasn't here for my April 2016 adventure: one of the standing jokes about my travelogues is that I am arguably the defending world champion of getting lost. Last time, this included the day that convinced me that East Midlands Airport stood with Atlantis, Middle-Earth and Narnia as great mythical locations of the human imagination...
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Calman on March 21, 2018, 12:33:31 AM
Quote
I am arguably the defending world champion of getting lost

Got it, but can't come up with a suitable Pun right now ... give me time!  :confused:

Did I also mention, another Opening, well any Race, Ritual from my end, is to shout "Goh" in a tacky game show host type of voice, then I go quiet for around 3 hours, give or take the odd "wheel to wheel" decision which doesn't go my way! "Reffffffff-ah-REEEEE!!!".

Kind Regards.
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: lkjohnson1950 on March 21, 2018, 01:55:24 AM
We will, of course, expect a full travelogue and race report on Hungary in the unique La Canta style.   :D

one of the standing jokes about my travelogues is that I am arguably the defending world champion of getting lost. Last time, this included the day that convinced me that East Midlands Airport stood with Atlantis, Middle-Earth and Narnia as great mythical locations of the human imagination...

When you get lost, you end up in interesting places, adopted by interesting people. When I get lost (which I admit is seldom, I have a knack of knowing where I am even when it's not where I wanted to be.) I end up in empty warehouses or the middle of nowhere,
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Alianora La Canta on March 21, 2018, 06:36:30 PM
OHHH!!! I'd bet the majority of us could write a novel, based on F1 Spoilers people have placed on our lap over the years (not pun intended with 'lap').   

I've had a few run-ins with spoilers. Our household is very strict about spoilers - the only exception is that if one of us has missed qualifying and the other saw it, we are allowed to say whether it was worth the bother of watching on demand (but not why, if it is). There have been occasions where the presenters reporting on a "replay" or highlights show that such-and-such a driver is OK after an accident has been met with annoyance due to the reassurance coming before coverage of the session where the accident happened...

The best example of a useful spoiler was when I went to a swimming gala that clashed with the 2008 Chinese Grand Prix (having previously put a note in a forum I co-administrated jokingly requesting the stewards excuse me for this). Dad told me after the race that the only interesting thing that happened was that Fisico had failed to yield to Kimi Raikkonen for a lap and a half thanks to inattentive flagging by probably-bored marshalls. My co-admin wrote: "The stewards have come to a decision and uphold the request to be excused. They further request news of any further proposals to skip races are also relayed in advance, so they can likewise miss those races..."

Other people, of course, cannot be expected to understand the subtleties of such exceptions. Dad and I used to get really annoyed with ITV because on multiple occasions, their on-demand F1 races had a thumbnail of that race's podium. I'm not sure the on-demand team ever quite understood their audience's demographic for that show...

BBC 3 was not always an improvement. It became a standing joke that we always walked in on the evening highlights shows (which Dad often needs due to clashing sailing commitments on many Sundays) 3 minutes after the scheduled start time - not to avoid the banter, but simply to make sure we didn't find out who won the race in the "60 Seconds" news round-up that always happens when that particular channel starts broadcasting. Until we started doing this, the F1 results never came with a spoiler alert. There was one occasion after then when we tried the "3-minute rule" and there'd been enough delay on BBC 3 was saying "the following 60 Seconds contains spoilers from the F1 race ea-". The cut-off being from me switching channel very, very quickly*...

There have also been examples where people have got close to spoilering me. The most memorable example was another "swimming gala" example. This time, my parents had kindly recorded the whole thing on video (this was before catch-up TV) and told me I could watch it after school the next day. At lunchtime, one of the support staff - who I didn't know had any interest in sport whatsoever - said to us all, "Did you hear what happened in the race yesterday that made me a bit cross?" I politely informed her that I hadn't, and was waiting to see the race after school. "I have to warn you - are you a Michael Schumacher fan?" Confused, I said not, because the driver I most liked was David Coulthard (I'd learnt through experience that particular school's members did not understand the concept of supporting a team in anything except football, unless it was the home nation in international sport). She replied, "I'm glad you said that. If you'd said Michael, we'd have to have fallen out." We moved onto more pleasant topics, leaving me slightly confused.

Then I went home and watched Austria 2002...

(We did discuss it the next day and agreed that the end-of-race antics from Ferrari made us all feel "a bit cross". And I'll give her credit for ambiguity - she could have been cross simply because Michael had added yet another win to his tally, or because she was secretly a Michael fan and he'd had a DNF of some sort...)

* - They would not have been messing about with the "spoilers" on that particular race, as I well knew from having seen the race replay earlier in the day - that specific time was Japan 2014.

When you get lost, you end up in interesting places, adopted by interesting people. When I get lost (which I admit is seldom, I have a knack of knowing where I am even when it's not where I wanted to be.) I end up in empty warehouses or the middle of nowhere,

I'd done "middle of nowhere" before. Remind me to tell you about the time I practised orienteering for the Duke of Edinburgh award on an allegedly closed loop of footpaths, got spectacularly lost and had the following exchange with Dad (who was at home) over the phone:

"I'm loooost" (imagine this being said in much the same manner as a bleating sheep)
"OK. Can you tell me any landmarks you can see?"
"[about 8 seconds of pause] Hmm... ...I can see a pylon over there..."

I could almost hear the facepalm 10 miles away...
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: guest3164 on March 21, 2018, 08:28:42 PM
Sounds a bit like the time I came home from a day trip to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix.  Had organised a seat on a coach that otherwise sold travel and tickets to the race and found out on the way home they would drop off in Hendon as opposed to central London which was ideal for me.  I got off and thought to ring my mum who had a car.  The only thing is, a combination of excitement, tiredness from a long day and a mild dose of sun stroke meant I was no use to man nor beast. 

Phone rings
"Mum, can you come and get me please"
"Sure, where are you?"
"I'm not sure you know it"
"Try me"
"Okay, it's *random* road"
"You do remember our friends live there, don't you?"
"Oh"
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: Alianora La Canta on March 24, 2018, 09:44:20 PM
Wow, that is awkward!
Title: Re: Opening Race Ritual?
Post by: guest3164 on March 24, 2018, 09:47:08 PM
It got worse when I tried to wave her down with the chequered flag I picked up at the circuit from some random sponsor  ::)
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